Well, we have arrived at the base of the seemingly insurmountable mountain once more. We have said our goodbyes to the regular season and now must venture up towards the summit, battling despair, nausea, and heartache along the way to a hopeful date with Lord Stanley’s Cup.

The Capitals first test this postseason comes against a familiar Metro Division foe, the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both teams will enter the playoffs at almost full strength, with the Caps only missing Jay Beagle and the Jackets only missing Lukas Sedlak.

Puck drop is at 7:30 PM on the USA Network. Peter is back recapping playoff hockey.